Week 5 Preview: Vikings at Bears – October 9, 2017

Running the football with a high level of success has long been synonymous with Chicago Bears football.

Jim McMahon had Walter Payton behind him. Jim Harbaugh was able to turn around and hand it off to Neal Anderson. Even Rex Grossman had Thomas Jones when he was a young, up-and-coming quarterback. The Bears will need the likes of Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen to play that type of role if the Bears are going to pull off an upset of the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football, let alone properly develop rookie quarterback Mitch Trubisky.

“Never Tell Me The Odds:”

The Chicago Bears (1-3) are 3.5-point home underdogs (with the over/under set at 40) against the Minnesota Vikings (2-2), according to Bovada. Chicago is now 15-21-1 against the spread since the start of 2015.

Minnesota is 2-2 against the spread this year and 15-7 when favored against the line since 2015.

Series History:

Only the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions have played more games against the Bears than the Vikings. The edge in one of the longest running rivalries in the NFL belongs to Minnesota, which is 58-52-2 against Chicago all-time.

Game Time, Broadcast Info, Officiating Crew:

Location: Soldier Field

Broadcast Info: 7:30 p.m., ESPN, WGN-TV (Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters), WBBM-AM 780, WCFS-FM 105.9 (Jeff Joniak, Tom Thayer, Zach Zaidman); Westwood One Radio (Kevin Harlan, Boomer Esiason, Scott Kaplan)

Referee: Jerome Boger

Expected Starters and Lineups:

Bears Offense Expected Starters:

  • QB Mitch Trubisky
  • RB Jordan Howard
  • FB Michael Burton
  • WR Kendall Wright
  • WR Markus Wheaton
  • TE Dion Sims
  • LT Charles Leno Jr.
  • LG Josh Sitton
  • C Cody Whitehair
  • RG Kyle Long
  • RT Bobby Massie
  • Bears Defense Expected Starters:

  • DE Akiem Hicks
  • NT Eddie Goldman
  • DE Mitch Unrein
  • OLB Pernell McPhee
  • ILB Christian Jones
  • ILB John Timu
  • OLB Leonard Floyd
  • CB Marcus Cooper
  • CB Prince Amukamara
  • FS Eddie Jackson
  • SS Adrian Amos
  • Bears Specialists: 

  • Connor Barth (kicker), Pat O’Donnell (punter, holder), Andrew DePaola (long snapper), Deonte Thompson (kick returner), Tarik Cohen (punt returner)
  • Vikings Offense Expected Starters:

  • QB Sam Bradford
  • RB Latavius Murray
  • FB C.J. Ham
  • WR Stefon Diggs
  • WR Adam Thielen
  • TE Kyle Rudolph
  • LT Riley Reiff
  • LG Nick Easton
  • C Pat Elflein
  • RG Joe Berger
  • RT Mike Remmers
  • Vikings Defense Expected Starters:

  • DE Danielle Hunter
  • NT Linval Joseph
  • DT Tom Johnson
  • DE Everson Griffen
  • OLB Ben Gedeon
  • MLB Eric Kendricks
  • OLB Anthony Barr
  • CB Trae Waynes
  • CB Xavier Rhodes
  • FS Harrison Smith
  • SS Andrew Sendejo
  • Vikings Specialists:

  • Kai Forbath (kicker), Ryan Quigley (punter), Kevin McDermott (long snapper), Jerick McKinnon (kick returns), Marcus Sherels (punt returns)
  • Hot or Not and Whom to Watch

    Chicago Bears – Offense

    It’s safe to assume you’ll have your eyes on Mr. Trubisky, so let’s talk about his targets.

    According to Yahoo! Sports, the Vikings have allowed the ninth most fantasy points to tight ends this season. Tight ends are averaging a moderate 4.3 targets and 38.5 receiving yards in those games, but the Vikings have allowed two of the better pass-catchers (Tampa Bay’s Cameron Brate, New Orleans’ Coby Fleener) to each score touchdowns. Zach Miller seems like the target Trubisky could look to early and often.

    If you’re looking for a deep sleeper candidate to emerge as Trubisy’s top target, Deonte Thompson might be your guy. Thompson has 11 catches and 125 receiving yards in four games, but caught seven passes from Trubisky during the preseason. The two should have a bit of familiarity after working together during the preseason and in training camp because Thompson didn’t get elevated to starter until Cameron Meredith and Kevin White went to injured reserve. Perhaps their preseason connection is something that can be sparked on Monday night.

    Chicago Bears – Defense

    Even though defensive coordinator Vic Fangio hinted at Pernell McPhee being a part-time player, McPhee is in line to get an up-tick in snaps after Willie Young’s reported season-ending triceps injury. McPhee has played on just 35.7 percent of the Bears’ defensive snaps, but does have two sacks and a forced fumble to show for his efforts. With Sam Bradford returning to the lineup, the Bears need everything they can get from their edge rushers.

    Inside linebacker John Timu has the responsibility of filling in for Danny Trevathan, who is sitting out Monday Night Football with a one-game suspension. Timu is no stranger to the Bears defense, having played in 20 games and made eight starts over the last three years. However, this could be the biggest stage Timu has performed on … and he’ll be the man in the middle tasked with making  play calls and sending out signals from the inside linebacker position. No pressure.

    Minnesota Vikings – Offense

    We’ve already discussed how the Bears secondary matches up against top receivers Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, so let’s move onto to some other players worth keeping an eye on.

    In an attempt to improve their offensive line, the Vikings made a significant investment in left tackle Riley Reiff  – who played in 77 games and made 69 starts during his five years with the Detroit Lions. Minnesota should be pleased with Reiff’s production so far, as he is Pro Football Focus’ 19th best tackle with a 75.4 grade. It would be likely to see Reiff locking up with McPhee, making this a must-see-matchup.

    Latavius Murray gained 2,350 scrimmage yards the last two years while playing in the Oakland Raiders’ high-octane offense. Minnesota would appreciate it if Murray can turn back the clock and recapture some of that magic because Dalvin Cook is out for the year with an ACL injury. Murray is averaging just 2.7 yards per carry after averaging 4.2 yards with Oakland. Keep an eye on Murray out of the backfield, where he can be an asset because of his career 76.9 percent catch rate.

    Minnesota Vikings – Defense

    Xavier Rhodes has been one of the NFL’s best corners in recent years, and has done fine work shadowing an opponent’s top receiver. Of course, it’s worth asking if there is a receiver on the Bears worth shadowing. Rhodes yielded a 47.0 passer rating last year and throwing in his direction would not be highly recommended.

    Harrison Smith’s 88.7 rating makes him PFF’s third-highest graded safety. Smith is the site’s top-graded safety when it comes to stopping the run with an elite 91.7 grade, and is no slouch when defending the pass where he ranks 20th among 77 qualifying safeties.

    written by

    Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

    more bears news

    D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

    Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

    Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

    There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

    Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

    Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

    Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

    Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

    Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

    I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

    Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

    When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

    Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

    It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

    The NFL is Playing a Christmas Day Doubleheader in 2024

    Christmastime is generally full of cheer. And in 2024, it will be full of cheering. In fact, we're talking double the cheer. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reports the league will play not one, but *TWO* Christmas Day games. It's...

    2024 NFL Mock Draft: How High Can J.J. McCarthy’s Stock Rise?

    Hard to believe we're less than a month away from the 1st Round of the 2024 NFL Draft! With just weeks remaining until the NFL's most noteworthy offseason event, there are plenty of rumors floating. As we work through all...

    NFL Rules Shakeup, Tomlin on Fields, Trubisky’s Linsanity Run, and Other Bears Bullets

    The Bachelor's season-finale had a couple of jaw-dropping moments. Once the group chat catches up, it is going to be lit. What better way to start Bears Bullets than with breakfast anecdotes? I think I'm going to enjoy D'Andre Swift's...

    Latest News

    Top 25 College Basketball Picks and Best Bets: March 28

    The Illinois Fighting Illini and the Iowa State Cyclones hit the court in one of four games on the college basketball slate on Thursday that include a ranked team.How to Bet on Top 25 Games[lasso rel="draftkings-promo-1" id="299003"]Top 25 Games for...

    Diamondbacks vs. Rockies Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The Arizona Diamondbacks are moneyline favorites (-230) to begin their season with a home win over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday at 10:10 PM ET, live on ARID.Zac Gallen gets the starting nod for Arizona while Kyle Freeland is Colorado's...

    Mariners vs. Red Sox Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The Seattle Mariners are moneyline favorites (-162) to begin their season with a home win over the Boston Red Sox on Thursday at 10:10 PM ET, live on NESN.Luis Castillo starts for Seattle while Brayan Bello is Boston's starter for...

    Guardians vs. Athletics Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    The Cleveland Guardians start their season as road favorites (-156) in a matchup with the Oakland Athletics on Thursday at 10:07 PM ET, live on NBCS-CA from Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.Cleveland's Shane Bieber and Oakland's Alex Wood have been named the...

    Damian Lillard Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Pelicans – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    To beat his 3-point prop, Damian Lillard must make four from downtown on Thursday, when his Milwaukee Bucks face the New Orleans Pelicans, tipping off at 8:00 PM ET.Damian Lillard's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the PelicansDamian Lillard's over/under for three-pointers...

    Brook Lopez Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Pelicans – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    To beat his 3-point prop, Brook Lopez needs to make two from downtown on Thursday, when his Milwaukee Bucks meet the New Orleans Pelicans, starting at 8:00 PM ET.Brook Lopez's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the PelicansBrook Lopez's over/under for three-pointers...

    Giannis Antetokounmpo Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Pelicans – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    Will Giannis Antetokounmpo make just a single 3-pointer when the Milwaukee Bucks play the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday at 8:00 PM ET? If so, he'll beat his over/under for the game.Giannis Antetokounmpo's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the PelicansGiannis Antetokounmpo's...

    CJ McCollum Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Bucks – Thursday, March 28, 2024

    To beat his 3-point over/under, CJ McCollum must make four from downtown on Thursday, when his New Orleans Pelicans play the Milwaukee Bucks, beginning at 8:00 PM ET.CJ McCollum's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the BucksCJ McCollum's over/under for three-pointers in...

    Devils vs. Sabres Prediction: Odds, Picks, Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The New Jersey Devils are -115 on the moneyline and the Buffalo Sabres are at -105 for their game on Friday at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.Devils vs. Sabres Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Devils (-115)Underdog: Sabres (-105)Total: 6.5Best Devils vs. Sabres Promo...

    Guardians vs. Athletics Probable Starting Pitchers – March 28

    The Cleveland Guardians (0-0) and the Oakland Athletics (0-0) match up on Thursday at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum for Opening Day. First pitch is at 10:07 PM ET.The Guardians will give the nod to Shane Bieber against the Athletics and Alex...

    more bears news